Helpful Tips to Stop Car-chasing Dogs

Here is some useful information to help prevent that from becoming a bad habit.

Car-chasing dogs is a serious problem; more serious than a lot of
owners realize. Not only does car-chasing put the dog at risk,
but it also puts the car’s driver and many other road users at
risk too. Chronic car-chasing dogs often do not live to an old
age. We’ve gathered some useful information for retraining your
dog not to chase cars, bike riders or runners.

Many owners think that their dog’s car-chasing habit is amusing,
and may even joke about it, but they will think otherwise when
their dog is injured, or worse if a child or adult is hurt
because of their dog’s car-chasing habit. A car-chasing dog will
also chase motorbikes, and push bikes. It really is not funny to
be chased by a dog when on a bike, and it is far more dangerous
to the biker.

Car-Chasing is a totally natural behavior for a dog, as a dog’s
natural instinct is to chase anything that moves, be it a cat,
rabbit, a jogger or a bike. But the fact that car-chasing is
natural does not mean that it should be allowed to happen or even
worse become a habit. Car-chasing can and may occur because of a
dog’s predatory instincts or out of playfulness, or possibly out
of territorial instincts chasing away an intruder. Car-chasing
can become a problem with regular callers like the delivery man,
the paperboy or the postman, who call regularly. Your dog will
soon come to anticipate their arrival and lay in wait for them,
chasing them off of the premises; this is a guarding instinct and
one that they come to enjoy. If left unchecked, this could even
become dangerous to playing children as they run around outdoors.
Although the animal would not be chasing them for aggressive
reasons, his excitement at the chase may result in injury to the
running children who may become scared, possibly inciting
aggression by the dog.

If your dog has the car-chasing habit, he should never be allowed
to run loose, where he would have the opportunity to chase cars,
runners or bikers until he can be controlled by a command from
you.

Training tips to help stop car-chasing:

First of all, never chase the dog, that only encourages them
to run more.

Trying to lure your dog with a treat seldom works, either.
The dog will generally snatch the treat and bolt again before
you have time to grab their collar.

Firmly call your dog's “nickname” (not actual name), in a
tone that is definitely not playful. This will at least get
your dog’s attention almost immediately, as he recognizes the
name. He may not come to you right away, but getting his
attention as quickly as possible is a key first step in the
right direction. Using the nickname is critical, especially
when you’re using a firm or loud tone, as he will run away from
you if you use his actual name, as he will know he’s done
something wrong and punishment may follow.

Start at home, with your dog on a lead. Keep commands simple
using single words. Throw toys for him, and immediately command
him to “leave” or call him to you. If your dog does not respond
you can enforce your command with a firm tug on the lead.
Practice this routine until he responds properly. It is very
important during training to offer a reward “every” time he
responds quickly and correctly. It is just as important to make
it clear by a firm tug on the lead that he has not responded
correctly or fast enough “every” time he fails to listen. It
may seem like your dog is never going to get it right, but
patience and consistency will reward you and your dog.

Next get a friend to run, cycle or drive past you and your
dog. Practice commanding your dog to “stop” or “leave” if he
attempts to chase. Continue to practice until your dog no
longer chases or stops 100% of the time when given a simple
voice command. Always reward the correct behavior and never
reward failure to adhere instantly to your command.

Sometimes dogs chase cars because they have pent up energy.
Try to take your dog for a walk whenever you get the
opportunity to help squelch that need to run and burn off
energy. When walking your dog make sure he is always on a
leash, no exceptions. When beyond the boundaries of your home,
a dog should know that certain behavior is required; a leash
helps the dog learn control.

Get your dog to chase you! Dogs love to play with their
owners and this will give both of your great exercise and yet
another opportunity to burn off energy and bond.

What to do if you are being chased by a dog:

Runners can buy small handheld devices that either emit a very
loud noise (anti-attack devices) or emit a high pitch sound that
cannot be heard by humans but are not liked by dogs. With an
appropriate loud “No” followed by a “good boy” in a friendly
voice, and possibly a tidbit, they may deter the chasing dog. It
is best to proceed in a walk rather than a run, at least until
out of the dog’s sight or range.

Bikers, that are subject to car-chasing dogs, could use similar
devices, along with a water-filled spray bottle. Dogs do not like
water sprayed into their faces. Bikers are at a disadvantage
because they run the risk of falling of the bikes and being
injured, plus use of their hands are limited.

Car drivers need to act carefully. Car-chasing dogs do not like
the sound of hard braking, and it only has to be applied a couple
of times to make the dog weary. This can only be implemented if
the dog is beside you where you can see them, or behind you as
you drive off. You do not need a lot of speed, but when you can
see that the dog is in a safe position, press firmly on your
brakes. The sound of the wheels sliding on tarmac, or even better
on gravel, will cause the dog to back off. He may come back for a
second try, but runs off after a second dose. You will notice
that the next time you meet the dog, he will still be interested
in “having a chase”, but will be weary and one braking
application will send him away.

Of course, the easiest method is to not let your dog run off at
all, but for most dog owners, that is an unrealistic goal. Even a
well-trained dog who comes on command may decide he'd rather burn
off some extra energy with a sprint around town. Keeping your dog
interested and happy with what's going on at home, and making
sure that he gets some regular exercise, will help keep your dog
at home where he belongs!